Neurodiversity

Too weird to be, too rare to not

By: Chloe B Johnson

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Neurodiversity is the idea that neurological differences like autism and ADHD are the result of regular, natural variations in the human genome. Neurodiversity is a movement that advocates for positive approaches to the neurological difference based on acceptance and accommodation.

The concept of neurodiversity is the idea that neurological differences like autism and ADHD result from regular, natural variations in the human genome. It’s a social model of disability—one that says people with disabilities should be able to live as “fully contributing members of society” and have equal rights, responsibilities and opportunities.

Neurodiversity is not a medical model (like a cure) but rather a philosophy that offers an alternative approach to thinking about neurological differences. This perspective holds that neurological differences such as autism or ADHD are not disorders or diseases requiring treatment but rather different variations on what it means to be human. Neurodiversity advocates believe that all humans should have equal access to opportunities regardless of their physical characteristics (such as height), cognitive functions (intelligence) or other genetic variations such as gender identity or sexual orientation.